Overview

GSK Science in the Summer™ is a free summer STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) program designed to inspire the future generation of scientists and engineers. This program provides exciting opportunities for students to embody science careers, think scientifically, and have fun. Through a series of hands-on activities, students will dive deep into the fascinating world of space exploration and be introduced to different career paths as they step into the roles of Astrobiologist, Planetary Geologist, Robotics Engineer, Rocket Engineer, and Spacesuit Designer. The program aims to increase confidence among young students in doing science and pursuing STEM careers, grow the confidence and skills of educators to lead high-quality informal STEM programs for youth, and help build the capacity for community-based organizations to positively engage youth in STEM through sustainable partnerships.

Additional Information

• Theme: Be a Space Scientist!
• Target Audience: Elementary and middle school-aged students, youth in grades 2 – 6.
• Program Goals: Increase interest and confidence among students in doing science and pursuing STEM careers, especially students from backgrounds currently underrepresented in STEM fields.
• Curriculum: Developed by The Franklin Institute, freely available at scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.
• Impact: 94% of children reported an increase in their confidence in doing science. 78% of educators said they are more comfortable teaching STEM topics, and 85% reported being more interested in teaching STEM topics.
• Collaboration: Supported by GSK, led by The Franklin Institute, and administered through The Bakken Museum.
• Reach: The national network this year will bring together an additional 22 informal science institutions to reach an estimated 23,400 youth through partnerships with 290 community-based youth-serving organizations nationwide. Across Minnesota, nearly 600 children will join thousands more GSK Science in the Summer™ students nationwide.
• Previous Themes: "Be a Physicist!"
• Activities: Hands-on STEM experiments and activities.
• Free Program: 100% free STEM enrichment program.